Mumbai: Parents of 5 schools to go on hunger strike over fee hike

Mumbai: The parents of students studying in five schools across the city have decided to go on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan on Thursday over fees being hiked in these schools.

The parents have also decided to approach Bombay High Court saying these schools have illegally hiked fees under some sections.
Private schools across the city like Universal High at Dahisar (east), Lokhandwala Foundation School at Kandivali (east), Thakur International School at Kandivali (west) and Garodia International School at Ghatkopar have been blamed to charge fees under various sections like admission fees, security deposits, activity fees, book and stationery fees.

After another meeting with Vinod Tawde, minister for school education, higher and technical education, sports and youth welfare, minority development, and Marathi Bhasha, (language) and culture, on Wednesday, the parents have decided to tackle the issue legally.

They complain- ed about readmission fees being charged. Chetna Eyani, a parent, said, “My son is studying in the pre-primary section of Lokhandwala Foundation School and now the school has charged us additional fees under readmission fees for the promotion of my son to the first standard.”

The management of the schools have been directed by Tawde that they have no right to compel the students to buy books, stationery or charge activity fees. The parents have also claimed that the schools have been hiking fees every year and thus will appoint a legal expert to fight this problem.